System and methods for navigation bar presentation and device control

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to device control. In one embodiment, a method for device control includes displaying a user interface including a navigation bar. The navigation bar may be presented to include one or more selectable elements and wherein the navigation bar includes a plurality of swipe zones. The method also includes detecting an input command relative to a display of the device, wherein the input command is a swipe command relative to one of the plurality of swipe areas of the navigation bar, and determining a navigation bar command based on identification of a swipe area of the input command and a swipe length of the input command. Presentation of the navigation bar may be updated based on the navigation bar command. Another embodiment is directed to a device configured to control operation based on navigation bar commands.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/183,613 titled SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR A USER INTERFACE AND DEVICE OPERATION filed on Jun. 23, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/184,476 titled SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR A USER INTERFACE AND DEVICE OPERATION filed on Jun. 25, 2015, the content of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to device control.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices and personal communication devices are generally used for multiple purposes. These devices are often configured with particular forms of control, such as the inclusion of hard and soft buttons. With development of applications and device capabilities, there exists a need for device configurations that improve performance and resolve drawbacks of the conventional configurations. One area where improvements are needed is for device control configurations.

Regarding conventional methods, devices may require selection of a particular element to control a device. In some instances, the display element is difficult to select based on the size of a device, the display location of the element, a requirement for scrolling to the element, or even a requirement to select a button of the device. In other instances, elements may be hard to select due to configuration of content not intended for display on a device, such as non-mobile network sites designed for computer viewing.

The development of devices has led to increasing capability and features of a device. However, conventional methods of device control are limited. There is a desire to provide additional control functionality for devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed and claimed herein are methods for device control and device configurations. One embodiment is directed to a method for device control that includes displaying, by a device, a user interface including a navigation bar, wherein the navigation bar is presented to include one or more selectable elements and wherein the navigation bar includes a plurality of swipe zones. The method also includes detecting, by the device, an input command relative to a display of the device, wherein the input command is a swipe command relative to one of the plurality of swipe areas of the navigation bar. The method also includes determining, by the device, a navigation bar command based on identification of a swipe area of the input command and a swipe length of the input command and updating presentation of the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.

In one embodiment, the navigation bar includes a graphical element associated with each of the plurality of swipe zones.

In one embodiment, the navigation bar includes three swipe zones.

In one embodiment, the input command is a touch command to the display, the touch command associated with a position of display for the navigation bar.

In one embodiment, the navigation bar command expands presentation of the navigation bar from a bottom bar to an expanded view including additional graphical elements.

In one embodiment, the navigation bar command launches an application associated with and preassigned to a swipe zone associated with the input command.

In one embodiment, updating presentation of the navigation bar includes expanding the display area of the navigation bar on the display and increasing the number of graphical elements displayed with the navigation bar.

In one embodiment, updating presentation of the navigation bar includes modifying the graphical elements display in the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.

In one embodiment, the method includes controlling operation of the device based on the swipe command to launch an application preassigned to a swipe zone and ending display of the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.

In one embodiment, the method includes updating presentation of the navigation bar based on the input command to include a first graphical element to identify a particular swipe zone of the navigation bar and a second graphical element to identify an application associated with the particular swipe zone.

Another embodiment is directed to a device including a display and a controller coupled to the display. The controller is configured to control display of a user interface including a navigation bar, wherein the navigation bar is presented to include one or more selectable elements and wherein the navigation bar includes a plurality of swipe zones. The controller is also configured to detect an input command relative to a display of the device, wherein the input command is a swipe command relative to one of the plurality of swipe areas of the navigation bar. The controller is also configured to determine a navigation bar command based on identification of a swipe area of the input command and a swipe length of the input command, and control an updated presentation of the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.

Other aspects, features, and techniques will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art in view of the following detailed description of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:

FIG. 1A depicts a graphical representation of device control according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 1B depicts a graphical representation of device control according to one or more other embodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts a process for device control according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified diagram of a device according to one or more embodiments;

FIGS. 4A-4D depict graphical representations of device control according to one or more embodiments; and

FIGS. 5A-5C depict graphical representations of device control according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Overview and Terminology

One aspect of the disclosure is directed to improving control of a device. In one embodiment, a process is provided for presenting a user interface and providing a navigation bar. As used herein, a navigation bar relates to one or more graphical elements presented on a display of a device, wherein elements of the navigation bar may be selected for control of the device and commands may be input to the device using the navigation bar. In addition, the navigation bar may be presented with a plurality of presentation formats based on input commands, navigation commands and/or one or more customized settings for the navigation bar. By configuring a navigation bar with features as described herein, device control is improved. In addition, navigation bar control allows for direct access of one or more applications and functions provided by a device.

According to another embodiment, a navigation bar and processes for interaction are directed to navigation bars including a plurality or swipe areas/zones. By providing multiple swipe areas, wherein each swipe area is associated with a particular or different function, functionality of the navigation is improved. In addition, providing a user interface with additional controls while minimizing control steps or screen clutter improves device control.

Methods and device configurations are provided for device control based on touch commands. In one embodiment, input commands may allow for updating presentation of a navigation bar to one or more presentation formats.

As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” shall mean one or more than one. The term “plurality” shall mean two or more than two. The term “another” is defined as a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having” are open ended (e.g., comprising). The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “an embodiment,” or similar term means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation.

Exemplary Embodiments

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1B depict graphical representations of device control according to one or more embodiments. According to one embodiment, a device is configured to display a user interface including a navigation bar and allow for integration with the navigation bar to control device operation. A device and methods described herein provide a plurality of control inputs that enriches control features without cluttering a user interface or requiring menu driven operation. As will be discussed herein, navigation bars and input commands (e.g., touch commands) are with respect to a touch screen/touch enabled display of a device.

FIG. 1A depicts a graphical representation of device control for device 100. Device 100 includes display 105, which is configured for touch operation. According to one embodiment, device 100 presents navigation bar 110. In one embodiment, navigation bar 110 is presented on display 105 as part of a user interface of device 100. Navigation bar 110 may be configured for display during a home screen/control panel view of the user interface. In certain embodiments, navigation bar 110 is presented following user interaction, such as an on-screen or off screen swipe relative to display 105. According to another embodiment, navigation bar 110 is configured as a navigation drawer configured to allow for expansion of the display area.

According to one embodiment, navigation bar 110 is displayed including one or more selectable elements and includes a plurality of swipe zones. According to one embodiment, navigation bar 110 includes element 120 which may be selected and toggled to allow navigation bar 110 to function as a navigation drawer. In certain embodiments, navigation bar 110 includes graphical elements 115 and 125 to indicate one or more of a swipe zone and pre-assigned application accessible in navigation bar 110.

According to one embodiment, navigation bar 110 includes a plurality of swipes areas. Swipe areas are zones or portions of the navigation bar that allow for interaction and added control. An exemplary representation of swipe zones is shown in FIG. 1A, wherein navigation bar is divided into swipe zones 116, 121 and 126. According to one embodiment, an input command may be detected based on the location of the swipe command and a swipe zone. In one embodiment, swipe zone 116 is associated with graphical element 115, swipe zone 121 is associated with graphical element 120, and swipe zone 126 is associated with graphical element 125. Navigation bar 110 is configured to include swipe zones 116, 121 and 126, to allow for quick access to a pre-assigned application, and added control for navigation bar 110.

According to one embodiment, swipe zones 116, 121 and 126 may be customized areas to reveal content or advanced features and increased functionality of device 100.

FIG. 1B depicts a graphical representation of device 100 and input commands relative to display 105 and navigation bar 110. According to one embodiment, device 100 is configured to detect input command 130 relative to display 105. According to one embodiment, input command 130 is a swipe command relative to one of the plurality of swipe zones/areas 116, 121 and 126 of navigation bar 110. According to another embodiment, device 100 determines a navigation bar command based on identification of a swipe zone/area of the input command 130 and a swipe length 135 of the input command 130. Exemplary swipe commands relative to swipe zones/areas 116, 121 and 126 of navigation bar 110 are shown as 131, 132 and 133, respectively. Based on the input command 130, device 100 updates presentation of the navigation bar 110 based on the navigation bar command. Swipe commands 131, 132 and 133 are associated with customized areas to reveal content or advanced features and increased functionality. Swipe command 131 provides the capability of swiping up from the center (R0). Swipe commands 132 and 133 provide the capability of swiping up sides or corners (R1, R2). According to one embodiment, navigation bar 110 defaults to a customized left zone 116, and customized right zone 126. Zone 121 may be associated with a drawer function of device 100.

FIG. 2 depicts a process for device control according to one or more embodiments. According to one embodiment, process 200 is executed by device (e.g., device 100, etc.) to control operation of the device with a navigation bar. Process 200 includes displaying a user interface including a navigation bar at block 205. Display of the user interface can relate to display of the home or control screen of the device. In certain embodiments, display of the user interface includes display of an application. The navigation bar is presented to include one or more selectable elements at block 205. Display of the navigation bar may also relate to a navigation bar including a plurality of swipe areas/zones. According to another embodiment, the navigation bar includes a graphical element associated with each of the plurality of swipe zones. In one exemplary embodiment, the navigation bar includes three swipe zones. It should be appreciated that the navigation bar can include configurations with two swipe areas and configurations with greater than three swipe areas.

At block 210, process 200 includes detecting an input command relative to a display of the device. Input commands detected at block 210 can be one or more of a swipe, tap, contact, drag, etc. According to one embodiment, input commands detected at block 210 may input relative to the display position of the navigation bar. In one embodiment, the input command is a swipe command relative to one of the plurality of swipe areas of the navigation bar. The input command at block 210 may be a touch command to the display, such that the touch command is input to a display area associated with a position of display for the navigation bar.

At block 215, the device determines a navigation bar command based on identification of a swipe area of the input command and a swipe length of the input command. According to one embodiment, navigation bar commands relate to presentation of the navigation bar, items presented in association with the navigation bar, and launching one or more items from the navigation bar. In one embodiment, the navigation bar command at block 215 expands presentation of the navigation bar from a bottom bar to an expanded view including additional graphical elements. According to another embodiment, the navigation bar command launches an application associated with and preassigned to a swipe zone associated with the input command.

At block 220 the device updates presentation of the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command. Updating presentation of the navigation bar at block 220 can include expanding the display area of the navigation bar on the display and increasing the number of graphical elements displayed with the navigation bar. According to another embodiment, updating presentation of the navigation bar at block 220 can include modifying the graphical elements displayed in the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.

In one embodiment, the navigation bar is configured to allow for quick access to several functions and provide access to one or more elements or features of a user interface. Thus, navigation bar commands can relate to launching applications from the navigation bar, updating presentation of the navigation bar and/or modify selection options within the navigation bar. Navigation bar commands can also allow for enlarging the display area of navigation bar and/or closing the navigation bar from display. Updating presentation of the navigation bar at block 220 can be based on the input command to include a first graphical element to identify a particular swipe zone of the navigation bar and a second graphical element to identify an application associated with the particular swipe zone.

Process 200 may optionally include launching an application and/or device functionality at block 225 based on the navigation bar command. In one embodiment, block 225 includes controlling operation of the device based on the swipe command to launch an application preassigned to a swipe zone and ending display of the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified diagram of a device according to one or more embodiments. Device 300 may relate to one or more of a media player, personal communication device, tablet, and electronic device having a touch screen in general. In certain embodiments, device 300 is a standalone device. In other embodiments, device 300 is a computing device (e.g., computer, media player, etc.) configured to interoperate with another device.

As shown in FIG. 3, device 300 includes controller 305, memory 310, optional communications unit 315 and user interface 320. Controller 305 may be configured to execute code stored in memory 310 for operation of device 300 including providing a navigation bar for device control. In an exemplary embodiment, controller 305 is configured to control display of a user interface including a navigation bar, wherein the navigation bar is presented to include one or more selectable elements and wherein the navigation bar includes a plurality of swipe zones.

According to one embodiment, controller 305 detects input commands relative to a display of user interface 320. Input commands detected by controller 305 can include swipe commands relative to one of the plurality of swipe areas of the navigation bar. Controller 305 can then determine a navigation bar command based on identification of a swipe area of the input command and a swipe length of the input command, and control an updated presentation of the navigation bar based on the navigation bar.

According to one embodiment, controller 305 includes a processor and/or one or more processing elements. In one embodiment, controller 305 includes one or more of hardware, software, firmware and/or processing components in general. According to one embodiment, controller 305 is configured to perform one or more processes described herein. Optional communications unit 315 is configured for wired and/or wireless communication with one or more network elements, such as servers. Memory 310 can include non-transitory RAM and/or ROM memory for storing executable instructions, operating instructions and content for display. User interface 320 can include one or more input/output interfaces for control and/or communication. In certain embodiments, device 300 relates to a device including a display as part of user interface 320.

FIGS. 4A-4D depict graphical representations of device control according to one or more embodiments. In FIG. 4A, device 400 is depicted including display 405 and navigation bar 410. According to one embodiment, an input command 415 relative to display 405 can be characterized by device 400 to update presentation of navigation bar 410. According to one embodiment, input command 415 may be based on a touch command/swipe by a user 420. Input command 415 is shown as a vertical swipe associated with the middle of navigation bar, however, it should be appreciated that position and length of input command 415 may be characterized to determine updating for navigation bar 410. Navigation bar 410 is presented in a configuration with a straight edge to reveal a first set of graphical elements. FIGS. 4B- 4D depict exemplary representations of updating navigation bar 410 displayed by display 405 of device 400.

In FIG. 4B, the navigation bar 410 is updated as presentation format 425 in response to initiation of a swipe and to provide a hint of the drawer type. Presentation format 425 extends navigation bar in the direction of the input command. Presentation format 425 extends navigation bar in the direction of the input command. According to one embodiment, presentation format 425 may relate to an input command that includes a short swipe or contact with, and/or in the vicinity of, navigation bar 410.

In FIG. 4C, the navigation bar 410 is updated as presentation format 430 in response to an input command. Presentation format 430 extends navigation bar 410 into a slide out format to reveal an additional system drawer of graphical elements 431 associated with applications or selection elements.

In FIG. 4D, the navigation bar 410 is updated as presentation format 440 in response to an input command. Presentation format 430 extends navigation bar 410 into a fully extended slide out format to reveal a scrollable list graphical elements 441 _(1-n) which may be associated with applications of device 400. Presentation format 430 also includes a system drawer of elements 445 and an additional system drawer of graphical elements 431 associated with applications or selection elements. Updating presentation of the navigation bar 410 to presentation format 440 can be based on the input command to include a first graphical element to identify a particular swipe zone of the navigation bar and a second graphical element to identify an application associated with the particular swipe zone. According to one embodiment, presentation format 430 extends navigation bar 410 to reveal applications and/or advanced features that increase functionality and extend productivity of device 400.

In FIGS. 4C-4D, one or more of the graphical elements 431, graphical elements 441 _(1-n) and elements 445 can contain a set of personalized/recent applications. Similarly, frequently used applications or recommended applications may be included in navigation bar 410 and the presentation formats 425, 430 and 440 of FIGS. 4B-4D.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict graphical representations of device control according to one or more embodiments. In one embodiment, a navigation bar is configured to provide an indication (e.g., hint, preview, etc.) of features that may be accessed from the notification bar. These indications may also provide serve as indications of a swipe areas/zones. In FIG. 5A, device 500 is depicted including display 505 and navigation bar 510. According to one embodiment, an input command relative to display 505 includes contact 511 (e.g., touch, tap, press and hold, etc.) to display 505 in the area of navigation bar 510. According to one embodiment, device 500 is configured to update the presentation of navigation bar 510 in response to contact 511. By way of example, FIG. 5A depicts contact 511 on the left side of navigation bar which may be assigned to a first swipe area. Accordingly, device 500 updates navigation bar 510 to include raised feature 515. Raised feature 515 may indicate the ability to quickly launch an application, of function of device 500. According to another embodiment, the name of the application, or device function, may be displayed in text 516 by device 500. FIG. 5B depicts navigation bar 510 including raised feature 520 associated with a middle section of navigation bar 510. Raised feature 520 may be in response to contact 512 associated with the middle of navigation bar 510. The name of the application, or device function, associated with swipe zone may be displayed in text 521 by device 500. FIG. 5C depicts navigation bar 510 including raised feature 525 associated with a right section of navigation bar 510. Raised feature 525 may be in response to contact 512 associated with the right side of navigation bar 510. The name of the application, or device function, associated with swipe zone may be displayed in text 526 by device 500. According to one embodiment, device 500 may present raised features 515, 520 and 525 and/or description text 516, 521 and 526 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 2-5 seconds) following contact. In other embodiments, device may present the updated presentation of the navigation bar 510 until a command is detected to remove navigation bar from view or another navigation bar command is detected. For example, device 500 may transition raised features of navigation bar 510 away on release of a touch command. In contrast to conventional touch commands for interaction with a displayed element, navigation bar 510 allows for launching a drawer or an application with a single input command. In addition, navigation bar 510 is not limited to only launching a drawer, and instead allows for multiple types of applications and functions to be accessed.

While this disclosure has been particularly shown and described with references to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the claimed embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for device control, the method comprising: displaying, by a device, a user interface including a navigation bar, wherein the navigation bar is presented to include one or more selectable elements and wherein the navigation bar includes a plurality of swipe zones; detecting, by the device, an input command relative to a display of the device, wherein the input command is a swipe command relative to one of the plurality of swipe areas of the navigation bar; determining, by the device, a navigation bar command based on identification of a swipe area of the input command and a swipe length of the input command; updating presentation of the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the navigation bar includes a graphical element associated with each of the plurality of swipe zones.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the navigation bar includes three swipe zones.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the input command is a touch command to the display, the touch command associated with a position of display for the navigation bar.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the navigation bar command expands presentation of the navigation bar from a bottom bar to an expanded view including additional graphical elements.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the navigation bar command launches an application associated with and preassigned to a swipe zone associated with the input command.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein updating presentation of the navigation bar includes expanding the display area of the navigation bar on the display and increasing the number of graphical elements displayed with the navigation bar.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein updating presentation of the navigation bar includes modifying the graphical elements display in the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling operation of the device based on the swipe command to launch an application preassigned to a swipe zone and ending display of the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising updating presentation of the navigation bar based on the input command to include a first graphical element to identify a particular swipe zone of the navigation bar and a second graphical element to identify an application associated with the particular swipe zone.
 11. A device comprising: a display; and a controller coupled to the display, the controller configured to control display of a user interface including a navigation bar, wherein the navigation bar is presented to include one or more selectable elements and wherein the navigation bar includes a plurality of swipe zones; detect an input command relative to a display of the device, wherein the input command is a swipe command relative to one of the plurality of swipe areas of the navigation bar; determine a navigation bar command based on identification of a swipe area of the input command and a swipe length of the input command; control an updated presentation of the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the navigation bar includes a graphical element associated with each of the plurality of swipe zones.
 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the navigation bar includes three swipe zones.
 14. The device of claim 11, wherein the input command is a touch command to the display, the touch command associated with a position of display for the navigation bar.
 15. The device of claim 11, wherein the navigation bar command expands presentation of the navigation bar from a bottom bar to an expanded view including additional graphical elements.
 16. The device of claim 11, wherein the navigation bar command launches an application associated with and preassigned to a swipe zone associated with the input command.
 17. The device of claim 11, wherein updating presentation of the navigation bar includes expanding the display area of the navigation bar on the display and increasing the number of graphical elements displayed with the navigation bar.
 18. The device of claim 11, wherein updating presentation of the navigation bar includes modifying the graphical elements display in the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.
 19. The device of claim 11, further comprising controlling operation of the device based on the swipe command to launch an application preassigned to a swipe zone and ending display of the navigation bar based on the navigation bar command.
 20. The device of claim 11, further comprising updating presentation of the navigation bar based on the input command to include a first graphical element to identify a particular swipe zone of the navigation bar and a second graphical element to identify an application associated with the particular swipe zone. 